Travel and Hotel:when booking a hotel, look at the reviews. Although some may look like a good deal there are many steep streets in Quebec City. A hotel on a steep incline may not work for some people. Of course the ideal hotel would be the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac and although it is an upscale hotel we found that by booking hotel and airfare together through Hotels.com it was affordable (we had a view of the courtyard but the room was wonderfully luxurious). Another tip is to ask for a room near the elevators for your stay at the Chateau as they are in the main lobby and it's quite a walk to most of the rooms once you get to the level your room is on.
Air Travel:
Most flights require a connection in Montreal. Be prepared for a long walk (our arrival gate was 2 and connecting flight at 85!) U.S. travelers go through another security check and customs before boarding the connecting flight for travel to the U.S. when returning home. Many Air Canada flights are also overbooked. It's recommended that you pay extra to reserve a seat, just choosing a seat when booking won't reserve it. Also, there is only food for purchase on most flights which don't seem very appetizing. You can purchase food to eat on the plane from airport vendors.
Taxi:
Some hotels offer shuttles but check on the price. Chateau Frontenac shuttle is currently C$25 per person but a taxi is C$35 standard rate. If you have more than one person then the taxi is a better deal.
Money:
Most places take American Dollars but not American coins (you will receive change in Canadian dollars)
However, some do not convert it so you may give a $10 U.S. bill for a C$7.50 charge and only receive C$3.50 change which at the moment is $2.70 in U.S. dollars. Also, they are not consistent in charging credit cards. Some charge in U.S. dollars, some in Canadian dollars. Again, they may charge $10 in U.S. dollars for merchandise marked at $10 Canadian dollars. One souvenir shop said they were charging my card in Euros!
Sights in Quebec City:
Pick up a Voila Quebec guide and coupon book along with a map at the Furniculaire which operates on the boardwalk by the Chateau Frontenac.
There are so many lovely sights in Quebec City. A good way to start is by taking the Hop on Hop Off Bus (you may get tickets at the information center across the park from the Chateau Frontenac. Or the hotel concierge may help you.) You can use your ticket/wrist band all day so choose to hop off and visit sights farthest away from your hotel first. Take a map with you and note places you want to revisit. Most places are within walking distance.
Here are some of the places we visited:
Churches in Quebec City
Tour of Chateau Frontenac (discount if you are staying at the hotel) It was difficult to find the meeting place. Look for the pavilion on the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk next to the hotel and facing the river. There is a sandwich shop below and I believe the only raised pavilion.
Notre Dame de Quebec Basilica Cathedral
Chapelle des Ursulines
The Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Trinity
Musee de la Civilisation (Entrance fee $17)
Hotel du Parlement (House of Parliament - free tour)
Furniculaire du Vieux-Quebec (cost $3.50)Rue du Petit-Champlain (boutiques and restaurants)
Place Royale
Notre Dame des Victories (mass is held in French)
Fresque des Quebecois (trompe l'oeil)
New France Festival (August 1 to August 5 2018)
Place d'Armes - there are always street performers in the two park areas in front of Chateau Frontenac. Many evenings we sat on a bench and listened to music after purchasing a sandwich at either La Maison Smith or Epicerie Richard. Enquire about the nights that fireworks are displayed. Usually around 10:00 beginning in August.
Places to eat:
Aux Anciens Canadiens Good value (menu starts at C$19.95 for 3 courses- some items are an additional price shown on the menu)
Cafe de Paris (we had a delicious soup and sandwich here) Also a great place to people watch - choose a table by a window.
Le Petit Chateau Quebec - not recommended. We waited ages to be served. Waiters were standing around indifferent to customers. The meal wasn't bad but dessert (ice cream) was melted. They weren't very interested in taking care of their customers.
Bistro 1640 Good food. (kitchen closes for a while between serving breakfast and lunch!)
Le Chicshack (Wonderful burgers and salads)
Epicerie Richard - 42 Rue des Jardins (great little market for practically anything. Several evenings we purchased sandwiches, snacks and drinks and sat in Place D'Armes.
La Maison Smith 9 Rue des Jardins (Coffee shop with sandwiches and desserts)
Events:
Look for events and plan around those before you leave. We were there for Les Fetes de la Novelle France.
Note: for souvenirs in Quebec I found the cheapest place for gifts was Boutique Stadacone - 25 Rue Buade. Stamps for postcards can be purchased at some hotels and the post office is just a short walk from Chateau Frontenac. The clock tower of the post office is visible from Place D'Armes or Chateau Frontenac.Taxes:
Sales taxes are around 15%.
5% TPS (goods and service tax) and 10% TVQ (Quebec sales tax)
I always like to take a book with me set in the area I'm visiting and Louise Penny's Bury Your Dead was a good choice. Her series is usually set in a small village but this book took place in Quebec City.
